FIFA 14 is “huge”: will go big on connectivity, but retain single-player fun

FIFA 14’s enhanced online features have been discussed in a new interview with the series’ executive producer David Rutter. However, EA Sports won’t forget about the joys of solo play.

In an interview with WhatCulture, Rutter said that EA’s goal of an always-online, interconnected experience has already been realised, and that the team will go further with FIFA 14.

Said Rutter, “For someone with a connected console you’re completely connected with the EA Sports Football Club component of the game now. Everything you do in the game counts towards your level, you can see what your mates have been up to.”

“We’re delivering data updates on professional players and injecting challenges from real matches. You can download an App to keep track of your EASFC stuff, and manage your Ultimate Team too from the bus or workplace. You’re right – it’ll get even more like this in the next few years.”

But if you’re a fan of playing alone, then fear not, for you can still get stuck in solo if you want. Rutter confirmed that this is still a key area for EA Sports.

He explained, “I think this is because it’s an excellent experience, and also because it’s sometimes a major hassle hooking up with your mates online to play head to head or the people online are quitting/cheating/beating you up. We’re working on that too.”

Rutter closed by saying that all of this effort will make FIFA 14 a huge game, brimming with extensive features. “For FIFA we’re already really pretty broad”, he said, “single player, co-op, competitive multiplayer, ranked, unranked, career, and all locked to a player or as any player, across a massive comprehensive set of players, teams and leagues. It’s a huge game.

“Our biggest features in the last three years have probably come from ‘deep’. I think deep is what gets the 90+ ratings and the fans eager, but you can’t be too narrow. Our fans have really diverse tastes in modes and we need to cater to that.”

Are you excited for FIFA 14? What would you like to see from it? Let us know below.